Alexander... about re-direction?

[Embee]

Alexander,

I was reading your position on "re-direction" on another thread recently... ok, i admit it, I searched your name on the boards to get a wealth of your wonderful advice! Anyway, you've got me to thinking...

When you are referring to re-direction, are you applying that to the type of redirection that does it's best to meet the goal of what the child (in this case, toddler) is trying to experience? Wow, that made no sense. How 'bout this (for example): when my son hits someone, I explain to him that it's not ok to hit someone, hitting hurts. I usually then, *re-direct* him, that if he wants to hit something, he can hit his drums, the floor, etc... I use the same for throwing (throw a ball!) or biting (bite of teether, a toy or some food!), etc...

I suppose I've always thought of this as giving a positive alternative to an otherwise negative behavior, rather than re-direction. Now I'm not so sure, my thoughts are all awhirl!

Does this type of *re-direction* IYO, result in the "cheat" or "slight of hand" discipline you were describing and if so, what do you reccomend instead?

Thanks.

[Embee]

Nevermind...

Reading further along, I've found where you have suggested giving alternatives such as these, so I guess I answered my own question.

I truly appreciate your perspective/advice on raising children. Planning to pick up some Greenberg books and do some reading.

Thanks.